“I’m very happy” - James Rodriguez breaks silence after rejecting Everton summer departure

James Rodriguez has outlined his desire to play for Everton again after failing to leave the club during the summer transfer window.

The Colombian was reportedly told by manager Rafa Benitez that he was free to find a new club after he took over the Goodison Park driving seat in June.

“I’m very happy”

That was despite Rodriguez scoring six goals in 23 Premier League appearances during his maiden season on Merseyside in 2020-21.

The Toffees tried to use Rodriguez as a makeweight in a deal for Porto’s Luis Diaz, while the ex-Real Madrid start rejected a move to Istanbul Basaksehir on the final day of the Turkish transfer window on Wednesday.

Now Rodriguez is aiming to fight his way back into Benitez’s Everton plans - starting with the visit of Burnley on Monday (19.45 BST).

Speaking on a live Twitch stream, as quoted by Colombian AS, the playmaker said: “I have been coming in for a couple of days now [to train]. I had four days off.

“[I am] preparing myself in case I have to play. If I am fit and I have to play I have to do well.

“I am progressing in a good way physically and I feel fine.

“Everton play on Monday, if they want to play me I’m fit, I’m looking forward to playing if it’s my turn.

“I’m very happy because the Everton fans have given me a lot of affection, if I have to play I will do it in a good way as always.”

Rodriguez has yet to feature in an Everton squad so far this season.

He did have a period when he had to isolate for 10 days in accordance with Covid-19 protocol.

Rodriguez has returned to training and not been frozen out by Benitez.